It's Shiwasu (last month of the year). After the Thanksgiving holiday the day seems to have gotten shorter and things are getting a lot busier. It is getting colder in the morning and night, and I can really feel the arrival of winter. Please take care of yourselves during these cold winter days. I wish you all the joyous holiday season together with your loved ones and filled with happiness. I am looking forward to seeing all the kids back in school after the New Year with a big smile.

As we have previously announced, we have rescheduled the Mochi Tsuki Festival. Please mark you calendar and come to this fun event with all of your family and friends. Also, with the rescheduling of the Mochi Tsuki Festival, the start of the second semester has also been changed.

Christmas is just around the corner! Isn't it exciting?
Do you know what Christmas day is? Some of you might say, " It's the day that Santa comes to bring us gifts!'' That is true, but Christmas is the day that Jesus was born. Please remember this because It's very important.

When I was a little child, I couldn't sleep well on Christmas Eve because I was so excited to receive a gift from Santa Claus. I still remember how happy I was when I found a letter and a gift from him the next morning.
So be good, and if you are, I am sure that Santa will bring you a special gift.
Actually, I wrote a letter to Santa Claus and asked him, " Please come to see the Kodomo no Ie children!! at the Kodomo no Ie Christmas Party, and he promised to come to see you all! Isn't that fantastic?

- Play outside and notice the changes of the season in winter (temperature, wind, sun, air, etc)
- Observe and enjoy the growth of daikon radishes in the garden through watering and cheering for them to grow.
- Look forward to the KNI Christmas Party by practicing the Nativity play, Christmas songs, and ensembles.
- Enjoy making Christmas crafts and decorating the walls with them.
- Learn the true meaning of the Christmas through watching the Nativity play and listening to the Christmas stories.
- Learn to stay healthy during winter by practicing hand washing and gargling.

Finally our daikon radish seeds have started to grow into healthy plants after three failed attempts. First two attempts ended when escaped bunnies from our school rabbit cage ate daikon plant when they just had the first leaves on the plants. Our third attempt ended when a mystery thief ate our daikon plant. Thanks to Murdoch family from Kiku class, now we have a new lock for our rabbit cage. With this new lock, we do not have to worry about rabbit thieves any more! Thank you Murdoch Family!! Now our daikon radish do not have to worry about rabbits, and your big cheers will help daikon plant growing bigger and bigger!

Someone hung a framed saying art, “Kamisama arigatoo (Thank you God)” above the children’s shoe cubbies at our school. “Thank you so much!!!” Who is the mystery donor? Please let us know as we would like to say thank you in person.